Gus Poyet's side are in a rich vein of form at present and our tipster expects them to avoid defeat when they take on their derby rivals at St James' Park this weekend

Sunderland hauled themselves out of the Premier League relegation zone with a win over Stoke City in midweek and Gustavo Poyet’s men will look to maintain their resurgence in form when they visit St James’ Park for a derby tussle with Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.

Despite having lost just one of their last eight Premier League matches, the Black Cats are chalked up at a chunky 100/30 (4.33) with Paddy Power to get the better of their bitter rivals here while the same firm go just 17/20 (1.85) for the Magpies to claim local bragging rights. Paddy Power offer draw backers an enticing 5/2 (3.50) quote that Saturday’s tussle ends in stalemate.

Alan Pardew’s men have a solid home record thus far this term but will go into Saturday’s match without influential French duo Yohan Cabaye and Loic Remy.

Cabaye, of course, completed a move to Paris Saint-Germain during the week while Remy will sit out of this weekend’s clash through suspension after being sent off during Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Norwich City.

The Black Cats have lost just one of the last six meetings between the two sides and Gustavo Poyet’s men – who defeated the Magpies 2-1 at the Stadium of Light in October – will be confident of further improving upon their derby record here.

Given their recent run of fine form, Sunderland appear to represent excellent value at 10/11 (1.91) in Paddy Power’s double chance market while the same firm offer an appealing 7/5 (2.40) quote for the Black Cats to win either half of Saturday’s match.

Sunderland certainly carry the momentum heading into this weekend’s clash while Alan Pardew’s men will surely miss the presence of both Cabaye and Remy for such a crucial fixture.

Therefore, the 100/30 (4.33) quote from Paddy Power for an away win is likely to attract plenty of support here but instead, punters are advised to play safe and snap up the juicy 10/11 (1.91) quote for Gustavo Poyet’s men in the double chance market this weekend.